Size matters, they say — especially when it comes to carry-on baggage.
WestJet announced this week it is modifying its carry-on size limits, a move the Calgary-based airline says will bring it in line with other North American carriers, including its partner carrier, Delta Air Lines.
The airline is adding an inch of height to its dimensions and losing an inch of width. Now, instead of carry-ons having to fit into a 21-by-15-by-9-inch bin (roughly 53-by-38-by-23 centimetres), they’ll have to fit into a maximum of 22-by-14-by-9 inches (about 56-by-36-by-23 cm).
WestJet had used its old carry-on size — a capacity unique to the airline — for years, the company said in a press release.
“We expect this change will help streamline check-in and boarding times by eliminating the inconsistency between WestJet and several other carriers,” said Colleen Tynan, vice president of experience management, in the release.
By comparison, Air Canada’s carry-on maximum is closer to WestJet’s old regulations, at 21.5-by-15.5-by-9 inches (55-by-40-by-23 cm). Porter and Flair also follow the same dimensions.
WestJet’s new sizing will be rolled out by March 13 at airports, but both old and new sizes will be accepted until May 6.
The airline already changed its bag rules last year, eliminating a free carry-on from its basic ticket tier in a move it said would reduce prices, free up overhead bin space and speed up the boarding process.
Air Canada announced a similar move in December. Last month, Air Transat said it would also be adopting the same restriction.
Airline executives faced tough questions in Ottawa last year over the new fees, which MPs said made air travel more unaffordable for Canadians. Executives said the fees gave passengers more choice and made travelling cheaper.
With files from The Canadian Press.
